"This would cover it up, right?" Cameron asked, pulling the long sleeve over his growing arms and shrugging on a coat.
Aidan nodded, his eyes still wide with shock. "Yeah, but… what happened? What happened in the forest?"
Cameron sighed, sinking onto a stool. Aidan followed suit, leaning forward as if bracing for the tale.
"I was dying," Cameron began, his voice low. "I was freezing to death,thought I was going to pass out. But then… I heard screams. Human screams. I had to check. So, I followed them."
Aidan's brow furrowed. "And?"
"Then… it's like something took over me. I felt this energy- this power—and I just… teleported toward the sound. When I got there, I saw a Glencoe chasing a woman. And… I don't know what came over me, Aidan. I pounced on it."
"Wait, wait, wait," Aidan interrupted, holding up a hand. "You killed a Glencoe? With your powers?"
"Yeah," Cameron said, his voice shaky. "I killed it. And I saved her."
"Her?" Aidan echoed, his tone shifting. "Who is she?"
Cameron hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It's Rory's bride."
Aidan let out a sharp laugh. "No way. You're kidding, right?"
Cameron shook his head, his expression serious. "It's not a joke, Aidan. It's her. The woman I've been seeing in my dreams. She called me… Camio."
Aidan's eyes widened. "What? That's… impossible."He chuckled. "That same woman, you've being seeing in your dreams?"
"I thought so too," Cameron admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But she knew. She recognized me. We were talking, and then… I passed out. Like something hit me."
The room fell silent for a moment before Aidan leaned back, crossing his arms. "So… what are you going to do now? I heard Rory's already brought her in."
Cameron's jaw tightened. "What do you expect me to do, Aidan? Interfere with Rory's business again? He almost killed me the last time."
"But this is different," Aidan insisted. "You see her in your dreams. She called you by a name no one else knows. And you got your powers when she showed up. Don't you think that's more than a coincidence?"
Cameron looked up, his eyes meeting Aidan's. "Are you saying she's the reason for all of this?"
"Maybe," Aidan said with a shrug. "But one thing's for sure: you need to talk to her. Find out what's really going on."
"So how do I get to talk to her?"Cameron asked.
"Now that's the question,"
•
The Recon float out of the room, Morven was kept, it's surrounding powers loomed around with it.
"So what do you think, is there anything special about her?"Rory asked.
"It's just another woman, she's from the Dinace Dynasty,"The Recon echoed.
"Dinace!"Rory asked.
"Yes, your Highness, people of Bad Omen"The Recon said.
"Bad Omen?"Rory asked.
"They are filled with bad luck, and anyone who mingles with them, bad luck follows them,"The Recon said.
"But why can't I read her?"Rory asked.
"Maybe there's some glitches with your powers, I'm sure,"The Recon said, as it prepared to leave.
"Send her back, or put her far away from you, she's not meant for you,"The Recon said, and just like that he disappeared into thin air.
~
Rory stared at the door to the room where Morven was being kept. The Recon's words echoed in his mind: "She's filled with bad energy. She's from the breed of Diance, the people of bad omen."
A smirk curled his lips as he turned to Asher. "Bring Cameron here. Now."
Asher hesitated. "Your Majesty, are you sure—"
"Do it," Rory snapped, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.
•
In his mountain abode, the Recon floated in its nest, its sinister presence palpable. A voice cut through the silence, soft yet commanding.
"Why did you lie to him?"The voiced asked. "Why did you like to the king?"The Light Goddess ajsedy
The Recon turned, its ethereal form shimmering in the dim light. "Light Goddess," it murmured.
"To what do I owe this visit?"
"You know why I'm here," she replied, her tone sharp. "You told Rory she's from the Diance. But she's not. She's from the Distain Dynasty—the people of good omen."
The Recon chuckled, a low, guttural sound. "I told him what he needed to hear. Lies keep the balance, Goddess. Rory's greed is dangerous. If he loses her, perhaps he'll lose everything."
"And what of Cameron?" the Light Goddess asked, her voice tinged with concern. "He has a role in this as well."
"The gods will decide," the Recon said dismissively. "Our duty is to protect the kingdom. Let the humans play their games."
•
Back in the castle, Cameron stepped into Rory's chambers, his heart pounding in his chest. He kept his head down, avoiding direct eye contact with his brother.
"Brother!" Rory exclaimed, spreading his arms wide as if welcoming a long-lost friend. "It's been too long."
"Brother?"Cameron wondered, he had never called him that in ages.
Cameron forced a neutral expression. "Asher said you wanted to see me."
Rory circled him like a predator sizing up its prey. "I heard you had quite the adventure in the forest. Must have been… exhilarating."
"It was challenging, " Cameron replied evenly. "But I'm fine now."
"The woman you bought back, I feel the need for you to take her," Rory said .
"What?"Cameron asked, as he looked up at Rory.
Rory stopped in front of him, a sly grin spreading across his face. "You know, Cameron, I've noticed something about you. You've never been able to keep a woman around. Everyone thinks you're… well, pathetic."
Cameron clenched his fists but said nothing.
"That's why I've decided to do something for you," Rory continued, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "A gift, if you will."
Before Cameron could respond, the doors swung open, and two guards dragged Morven into the room. Her eyes locked onto Cameron's, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.
Morven wanted to scream, but decided to keep her calm.
Rory gestured toward her with flourish. "She was supposed to be mine, but… I'm feeling generous. You can have her."
Cameron's heart raced as he glanced at Morven and then back at Rory. "Why are you doing this? What do you want in return?"
Rory leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Your sanity."